Marquette recruit Sheek Pearson reclassifying into 2025

Marquette commit Sheek Pearson will reclassify into the 2025 class and be part of the Golden Eagles for the upcoming season, he advised ESPN on Monday.

Pearson, who plans to redshirt as a freshman, initially dedicated to Shaka Smart’s program again in May as a member of the 2026 class.

“I thought that it was best for my future to get more development,” he advised ESPN.

A 6-foot-11 heart from John Burroughs High School (Missouri), Pearson is ranked No. 37 within the ESPN 100 for the 2026 class — slotting in because the No. 4 participant at his place. He’s coming off a Nike EYBL season by which he helped lead Brad Beal Elite to the Peach Jam championship, averaging 11.2 factors and 6.0 rebounds. He ranked within the high 10 in EYBL play in blocks per recreation (1.8) and shot higher than 64% from the sphere in seven video games on the Peach Jam.

Though the remainder of the 2026 class is taking its recruitments slowly — solely 9 ESPN 100 prospects are dedicated — Pearson made his pledge comparatively early within the cycle. He cited his relationship with Smart as the first cause behind his resolution.

“I don’t think I would have been able to build as good a relationship in the amount of time if I were to wait,” he mentioned. “They had been recruiting me for almost a full year. The relationship was very strong.”

Pearson turns into the third ESPN 100 prospect in Marquette’s 2025 class, becoming a member of Nigel James (No. 68) and Michael Phillips II (No. 97). The Golden Eagles are additionally welcoming four-star guard Adrien Stevens and three-star ahead Ian Miletic.

When Pearson hits the ground for the 2026-27 season, he’ll assist substitute senior Ben Gold, who returns to the middle place after beginning 34 video games and averaging 7.4 factors final season. Returnees Caedin Hamilton and Joshua Clark, who each beforehand redshirted, will present depth behind Gold this season and compete with Pearson in 2026-27.